BEIJING – Chinese officials have issued a travel warning for their citizens planning trips to the United States, specifically advising them to avoid Seattle-Tacoma International Airport due to what they describe as harassment by American border agents.
The advisory, released Thursday by China’s foreign ministry, stems from a recent incident involving approximately 20 Chinese academics who were traveling to attend a scholarly conference in the United States. Despite possessing valid American visas, these researchers were turned away at the Seattle airport after being subjected to what Beijing characterized as “unreasonable questioning” by U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel.
Chinese authorities are urging their nationals to “strengthen safety awareness, avoid entering through this airport” and “make all necessary preparations” when traveling to America. The ministry cited “repeated incidents of malicious questioning and harassment targeting Chinese scholars” specifically at the Seattle-Tacoma facility as the reason for the warning.
The travel advisory also provides guidance for Chinese citizens who may encounter questioning by American law enforcement, recommending they “respond calmly and rationally” during such interactions.
This diplomatic advisory highlights growing tensions between the two nations and raises concerns about the treatment of international visitors at U.S. border crossings.
